LORD RIDDELL'S INTIMATE DIARY fora im

12TH.—To-day I received from Swettenham1 of the Press
Bureau a copy of a message sent by Tuohy, of the New Tork
World) containing a copy of the draft terms of the indemnity.
I at once saw L. G. and A. J. Balfour with it, and pointed
out the early realisation of my forecast. They were much
perturbed and surprised.

I7TH.—L. G. in great spirits after his speech in the H. of
C.. I said, " You are a great little man—always full of cour-
age." " Well," he replied, " It never does to let your heart
slip down." I said, " Despite appearances," tapping him on
the bottom of his waistcoat (he is getting a little bow-window),
" no one can say that your heart has slipped down."

L. G. : Old Clemenceau is a wonderful old dog. He is
having trouble with Poincare. He came and whispered in my
ear this evening, " I wish you would lend me your George V ! "
I must tell the King that. It will please him.

L. G. remarked later, " England is much saner than this
place. It is far too excited. The Old Country is taking things
far more steadily."

I said, " You did not tell the House of Commons much.
Most of your speech was occupied with a disquisition on Russia
and an attack on Northcliffe 1 "

1 Sir Frank Swettenham.